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Brits can still stream controversial Noughties TV series as fans question how it was ever allowed to air

Home> Entertainment> TV

Updated 17:46 10 Aug 2024 GMT+1Published 17:36 10 Aug 2024 GMT+1

Brits can still stream controversial Noughties TV series as fans question how it was ever allowed to air

The Channel 4 comedy game show was thought to be lost in time, but it is now available to stream

Joshua Nair

Joshua Nair

One of the most controversial shows from the Noughties is still shockingly available to stream.

TV in the 2000s looks very different to the shows you'll see on today, especially in the comedy genre.

With shows such as Little Britain and Come Fly with Me very much a part of mainstream media, some may disagree with the subject matter tackled in those shows today, but it was widely considered funny at the time.

The series is still available to stream. (Channel 4)
The series is still available to stream. (Channel 4)

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Now, one of the most controversy-plagued series of yesteryear is back and readily available for anyone to stream.

The British game show hosted by Mark Dolan first debuted in 2005 on Channel 4, and went on to run for three seasons.

It consisted of special guests, including a number of celebrities, coming on to perform stunts and carry them out in the eye of the British public, with footage captured through hidden camera set-ups.

Challenges given to them would often be performed in front of other celebrities too, and the show soared in popularity.

Some stars reacted very badly when they were targeted.

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Tom Cruise called one of the show's pranksters a 'jerk' when they squirted him with water using a prank microphone.

Sharon Osbourne tipped a bucket of water over another prankster's camera when they caught her with a similar stunt.

The show was called Balls of Steel, and you'll probably remember seeing it on TV if you were born in the 90s or prior - it may be a bit of an unknown to Gen Zers though.

Episodes of Balls of Steel were thought to be lost in the web of time, left behind as the show was too controversial to be carried into the 2010s and beyond.

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In fact, they're still available to stream on Channel 4's streaming service All4.

Then, there is the show's official YouTube channel, where you can stream all the funniest and best bits of the comedy series for free online.

Fans of the show can still watch it on YouTube. (Channel 4)
Fans of the show can still watch it on YouTube. (Channel 4)

On the show, the studio audience would decide which act had the biggest 'Balls of Steel' during the show.

Ah, so that's where the name comes from.

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Fans in the comments of the YouTube videos seemed thrilled to have some of the show's best bits easily accessible.

One user said: "Times are dark, we NEED this show back."

Another posted: "Life was good when this came out."

A third commented: "We all know this show is hilarious as hell because it's not happening to us lol."

I guess the nostalgia hits hard.

Featured Image Credit: Channel 4

Topics: TV, Channel 4, YouTube, Nostalgia

Joshua Nair
Joshua Nair

Joshua Nair is a journalist at LADbible. Born in Malaysia and raised in Dubai, he has always been interested in writing about a range of subjects, from sports to trending pop culture news. After graduating from Oxford Brookes University with a BA in Media, Journalism and Publishing, he got a job freelance writing for SPORTbible while working in marketing before landing a full-time role at LADbible. Unfortunately, he's unhealthily obsessed with Manchester United, which takes its toll on his mental and physical health. Daily.

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@joshnair10

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